Meet the team

CONSULTANT

Carissa brings more than 17 years of experience in hospitality public relations and marketing to her role as a consultant for KLPR. Carissa attended culinary school in San Francisco and worked with the SF Chronicle in the Food & Wine sections. She joined the SF office of Wagstaff Worldwide in 2006, then relocated to Chicago in 2014 and led the team for nearly nine years as its managing director before joining KLPR in 2023. She has worked successfully with clients spanning the gamut of hospitality throughout her career.

SOCIAL MEDIA + INFLUENCER LEAD STRATEGIST

With a background in public relations/advertising, and expansive experience in growing her own social media platforms and community, Morgan brings a 360 perspective to the PR world. She has a passion of bringing people together to both connect and gather - and what better way to do that then around food? She loves building relationships with both clients and influencers, and comes with innovative ways to enhance those experiences. She is excited to bring innovative, fresh ideas to the Chicago hospitality industry!

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE - MEDIA 

A longtime hospitality vet turned public relations professional, Shelby developed her love of the industry while slinging cocktails and serving up plates at some of Chicago's hottest bars and restaurants. Armed with a B.A. in Public Relations and Advertising from DePaul University, Shelby paired her insider knowledge with a knack for compelling storytelling and out-of-the-box ideas to quickly establish herself as a PR force in the Chicago hospitality industry. Throughout her years, she’s driven the narrative and integrated communications strategy for lauded spirit brands, James Beard Award-winning cocktail book authors, chef-driven fine dining concepts, World’s 50 Best Bars-awardees, and beyond.

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE - MEDIA

Christian entered the world of PR after graduating from the University of Michigan with a BFA in Theater Performance. Working across a myriad of industries in Detroit and Chicago, her passion for hospitality has been the main throughline of her career. As an avid foodie, Christian is thrilled to bring her unique skillset to KLPR to help her clients best tell their story.

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE - MEDIA

Sydney was born and raised in Buffalo, NY before embarking on a journey to Indiana University, where she earned a degree in media advertising. Fueled by the desire for a vibrant lifestyle filled with delectable cuisine and inspiring individuals, she made the leap to the city of Chicago. Drawing from invaluable experiences gained from prominent public relations and advertising agencies, Sydney wanted to channel her expertise into her true passion: Hospitality. As an avid food enthusiast, eager to explore the city, she is thrilled to become an integral part of this community.

ACCOUNT COORDINATOR - SOCIAL MEDIA + INFLUENCER

Originally from Dallas, TX, Lauren entered the PR and social media world after graduating from The University of Oklahoma with a degree in Public Relations and Psychology. After living in New York for 2.5 years, she relocated to Chicago in the spring of 2024 and has fallen in love with the food scene and is thrilled to become intertwined with the hospitality community. Lauren finds joy in finding restaurants that feel like a home away from home and is excited to help clients portray that to their customers.

ACCOUNT COORDINATOR - MEDIA

Sydney is originally from Dallas, Texas and graduated from the University of Georgia with a major in Public Relations. After graduation she made the move to Chicago and continued to grow her obsession with all things food and hospitality. Her experience ranges from large public relations agencies to in house marketing in areas such as retail, CPG, crisis, as well as hospitality-specific communication. Sydney’s love for the city of Chicago and role as a self-proclaimed foodie have lead her to KLPR, and she is excited to work with KLPR’s amazing client roster.